[Borneo] Sabah confident of solving poverty issue

from Brunei Online

KOTA KINABALU (Bernama) - Sabah with its unenviable poverty record of 23 per cent, the highest in the country, is confident of bringing down the figure to an acceptable level under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said through systematic planning and with the cooperation of all parties the poverty problem can be solved.

Under 9MP Sabah, a total of RM189 million would be allocated for the People's Well-being Development Scheme to overcome the high poverty rate especially those in the interiors, he told reporters after officiating a seminar on the preparations to face 9MP here, today.

Musa who is also the state Finance Minister said employment opportunities and activities to generate income to be given priority to reduce high poverty incidence among the indigenous people, he said.

According to statistics on poverty incidence in Sabah up to December 2005, the Pitas district recorded the highest number of hardcore poor families with 2,230 followed by Tongod (1,868) and Kota Belud (1,616).

On the state's economic growth under 9MP, Musa said the state could achieve six per cent growth this year.

"This is a good sign for Sabah and I hope that all government officials and elected representatives will work closely in ensuring the success of the projects under 9MP."